Assessment of heavy metals contamination in groundwater samples from a reclaimed dumpsite at independence layout Annexe, Enugu, Nigeria

An open solid waste dumpsite was reclaimed lately for residential purposes and metropolitan expansion at Independence Layout Annexe, Enugu, Nigeria. Residents of the area were constrained to access groundwater through hand dug wells despite the health risk effects and consequences. Sequel to this menace/risk, this study was aimed at assessing Heavy Metals Contamination in Groundwater Samples from a Reclaimed Dumpsite in the area. The water samples were collected during the wet and dry seasons, at intervals of six months for two years to ascertain any contamination of the groundwater within the neighbourhood. The heavy metals of the groundwater were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and the results were compared with the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO). Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 23), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to determine the statistically significant difference in the concentration of heavy metals in the different water samples at 95% confidence level. The results of water analyses indicated that the samples were laden with Dissolved Solids, high in Nickel, Chromium, and Lead in dry season, while Cadmium was high in both seasons. Cobalt was relatively high in the wet season. The report signals that the groundwater within the study area is polluted and may aggravate human health risks in the neighbourhood. Therefore, appropriate treatment of the water is required before consumption.